[AmandaK]

I knew there were affordable digital refractometers (gonna have one eventually), but I wasn't sure that the brewery's density meter qualified as the same. Maybe it does.

Does a digital refractometer measure accurate FG readings without correction? The density meter does, which was the appeal. I mean, at this point, measuring the gravity day after day in our fermentations is probably the next step to tracking our beers.

[Phil_M]

I bought one of these

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Instruments-MA871-BOX-Refractometer-Measurements/dp/B00G74Q9PS?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

a month ago. Work great, small sample size mean that temp isn't really an issue. Only downside is the small sample size means that evaporation makes a significant difference. In spite of that, I love it. Far more accurate than my old refractometer, and it's so incredible easy to use and clean. If a regular refractometer that actually works is close to a hundred bucks, just wait a bit longer and buy one of these.

[HoosierBrew]

I knew there were affordable digital refractometers (gonna have one eventually), but I wasn't sure that the brewery's density meter qualified as the same. Maybe it does.

Does a digital refractometer measure accurate FG readings without correction? The density meter does, which was the appeal. I mean, at this point, measuring the gravity day after day in our fermentations is probably the next step to tracking our beers.

I'm not sure if they measure FG without correction. I think I've read or heard that they have an algorithm that corrects for FG but I can't say that as fact. I'm definitely on board with something in the $200 range, just curious if that's what the $2500 thing actually is, or if it operates on a different principle than refraction.

[Stevie]

The Milwaukee linked above is the one I see most often. Still requires correction. I have seen others that are designed for brewing and make corrections, but they are way more expensive.

[Phil_M]

The Milwaukee linked above is the one I see most often. Still requires correction. I have seen others that are designed for brewing and make corrections, but they are way more expensive.

Yes, it doesn't compensate for temp. But as thermal mass of a couple drops of wort is small, most of my readings have been at whatever temp the meter was stored at.

[HoosierBrew]

I have seen others that are designed for brewing and make corrections, but they are way more expensive.

Probably explains the big price jump to what that brewery has.

[narvin]

I knew there were affordable digital refractometers (gonna have one eventually), but I wasn't sure that the brewery's density meter qualified as the same. Maybe it does.

Does a digital refractometer measure accurate FG readings without correction? The density meter does, which was the appeal. I mean, at this point, measuring the gravity day after day in our fermentations is probably the next step to tracking our beers.

I'm not sure if they measure FG without correction. I think I've read or heard that they have an algorithm that corrects for FG but I can't say that as fact. I'm definitely on board with something in the $200 range, just curious if that's what the $2500 thing actually is, or if it operates on a different principle than refraction.

No, the density meter actually measures density.  The refractometer only measures the refractive index of a liquid.   It is calibrated for one thing only - a sugar water solution (brix).  Estimating the density of beer is only done with a very complex formula that takes into account FG and the known result of the chemical reaction of fermentation.

[HoosierBrew]

No, the density meter actually measures density.  The refractometer only measures the refractive index of a liquid.   It is calibrated for one thing only - a sugar water solution (brix).  Estimating the density of beer is only done with a very complex formula that takes into account FG and the known result of the chemical reaction of fermentation.

Good info. Hence the steep price.

[kmccaf]

This is really awesome, Amanda! KC Bier Co is one of the best breweries I have ever been too. I will be hitting it up next weekend in fact. It would have been cool if I had come in time for this one when it's ready. I bet it will be tasty.

[AmandaK]

This is really awesome, Amanda! KC Bier Co is one of the best breweries I have ever been too. I will be hitting it up next weekend in fact. It would have been cool if I had come in time for this one when it's ready. I bet it will be tasty.

Next weekend? As in 4/30 or 5/7? (I can never tell) If it's 4/30, you should grab tickets to Parkville Microfest. 7 homebrew clubs and 40+ breweries, including KCBC.

[zwiller]

Thanks for sharing and posting! 

I gotta ask...  Does KCBC pull off the elusive german character?  I am not well traveled but have been to plenty of good breweries and they can't pull it off.  Good or maybe even great beers, but just not on same level/world class as the style examples in terms of BJCP. 

[udubdawg]

'manda, obv you backed off on the chocolate...  Any late hops?

If I can make the party we'll have to each bring our own for a private comparison to the big batch.

zwiller, the two KCBC beers I've had were fantastic.  I'll let others decide for themselves how "German" they are.  As for myself - as largely a brewer of German styles - I would be happy to say I made them. 

[AmandaK]

Yes on the elusive German character. Although that is just  anecdotal from me and a few others. I would highly suggest a visit to KC to find out.

The hops were 3.8lbs of Perle at 60 and 3.3lbs Hallertau Mittelfrüh at 15'. 90' boil. I understand that the co-owner goes to Bavaria to purchase hops directly as he is fluent in German and is very particular about freshness.

[Scot ( One T )]

We were ready to pull the trigger on a density meter but found out they are not approved by the TTB. 

[AmandaK]

We were ready to pull the trigger on a density meter but found out they are not approved by the TTB.

Hahahahaha... oh gov't.   What is the reasoning? Too accurate? Not accurate enough? Something else?